New data from March 2026 shows the construction industry continuing in a low-movement labor environment. Job openings saw a slight increase from February but remain significantly below last year’s levels. At the same time, layoffs remain low and fewer workers are quitting, signaling very limited movement across the workforce overall.

For contractors, that stability comes with a challenge. With fewer workers changing jobs, hiring has become less about reacting to available labor and more about actively attracting the right candidates. At the same time, retention has become just as critical, as replacing experienced workers is harder in a slower-moving labor market. Click here to read more.